Aldara 5% Cream

Aldara (imiquimod) cream for the treatment of genital warts

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Genital warts are highly contagious and can be passed on even when there are no visible signs of genital warts.

Genital warts may go away without the need of treatment, however in most cases it can take months for the warts to clear. Aldara cream can clear genital warts in women in just 8 weeks and 12 weeks when treating men.

Aldara cream is a prescription only medicine in the UK, it can be bought online from Medicine Direct.

What is Aldara?

Aldara is a cream for both men and women. It is the brand name for imiquimod, which is the active ingredient contained in the cream. Aldara is an immune response modifier.

This cream is prescribed to treat genital and external anal warts. Each box of Aldara contains 12 sachets of cream, which equates to four weeks’ worth of treatment. It should be applied three times a week. 

You must have a prescription to buy Aldara cream.

What is Aldara used to treat?

Aldara cream is commonly used in the treatment of genital warts. Using this cream makes it less likely that the problem will reoccur.

Genital warts are small growths and bumps around your genitals or anus. They are quite a common and mostly harmless sexually transmitted infection (STI) or viral infection created by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Aldara can be used for both genital and anal warts. Aside from treating the warts, this cream can also help to relieve any pain or discomfort they may cause.

How does Aldara work?

Aldara cream is an immune response modifier which works to eliminate the human papillomavirus (HPV) by helping the body to create defence mechanisms of its own. This helps your body to fight the virus by itself by producing cytokines, which prevent the virus's cells from multiplying and spreading the infection.

Thanks to the imiquimod contained in the cream, your immune system will release chemicals that can kill the virus. This should help to eradicate your warts and reduce the likelihood of them returning in the future.

How to use Aldara cream

Always read the patient information leaflet for comprehensive instructions before you start using a new medicine.

Use Aldara cream exactly as you have been told by your doctor.

Always use a new sachet each time you apply the cream. Carefully dispose of any remaining cream after each application, do not save it for the next application.

Use Aldara three times a week, such as on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Keep applying the cream until your genital warts have cleared completely.

Do not use Aldara for longer than 16 weeks for each outbreak.

Apply it before going to bed.

1. Before you go to bed, wash your hands and the affected area with water and a mild soap. Dry the area thoroughly.
2. Open a new sachet of Aldara cream and squeeze some of the cream onto your fingertip.
3. Using your fingertip, apply a thin layer of cream onto the affected area. Rub it in gently until the cream has been absorbed.
4. Once you have applied Aldara, throw away the sachet and wash your hands with soap and water.
5. Allow the cream to stay on the warts for between 6 and 10 hours. Do not wash the skin during this length of time.
6. After 6 to 10 hours, wash the affected area with a mild soap and water.

Who can use Aldara?

Aldara is a highly effective treatment for genital warts, but it is not suitable for everyone to use.

You should inform your doctor if:

• You are HIV positive
• You are currently being treated for basal cell carcinoma or keratosis

This cream is only suitable to be used by adults; it should not be given to children or adolescents.

Tell your doctor if you are currently taking any other medication before you start to use Aldara cream. For a full list of medicines that may interact with Aldara, please refer to the Warnings tab on this page.

Make sure you read the patient information leaflet for full details on who this treatment is not suitable for.

Can you buy Aldara cream over the counter?

No, you must have been prescribed Aldara Cream to be able to purchase it.

Can you buy Aldara cream online in the UK?

To buy Aldara cream online in the UK, you should only order it from a regulated UK pharmacy, like Medicine Direct. This will ensure your medication is genuine and safe to use. We are a fully registered pharmacy, find out more on our About Us page.

As Aldara cream is a prescription-only medicine (POM), you will need to complete an online consultation before you can order it from our pharmacy. All you have to do is answer some questions about your medical history and condition. These answers will be reviewed by one of our doctors, pharmacists or prescribers to make sure that Aldara is suitable for you.

Next day delivery is available if you order by 2pm.

Aldara cream alternatives

Several genital wart treatments are available to order from Medicine Direct. As this can be an embarrassing condition to cope with, the discretion that comes from ordering your medicine online has provided peace of mind to many.

Warticon is a widely prescribed medication for the treatment of external genital warts. Warticon comes as either a cream or solution. While both contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way, women generally find that the cream makes for a more convenient treatment. At the same time, men may find that the solution (which comes with an applicator) is easier for them to treat their genital warts.

Condyline also contains the same active ingredient as Warticon (a plant extract called podophyllotoxin, which is an antiviral).